by Bill Whitney

Created on: July 11, 2010

The first Mini was made in 1959 by Sir Alec Issigonis as an answer to the European fuel crisis.  In 1961 the Mini Cooper was engineered by race car constructor, the late John Cooper was first launched.  The Mini Cooper took three Monte Carlo wins between 1964 and 1967.  The 2010 Mini John Cooper Edition is quite different from these early models

The 2010 Mini John Cooper Works Edition comes in three body styles.  There is the classic coupe, the slick little convertible and the new Clubman which is sort of like a small station wagon.  All of the 2010 John Cooper Works body styles are the high performance editions and are a real blast to drive.  The Mini itself comes in three models.  the basic Mini is 118 horsepower.  The Mini S has a 172 horsepower and the John Cooper Works Editions have 208 horsepower.  All are 1.6 liter four cylinders but the John Cooper Works models are DOHC with a high output turbocharger that is inter-cooled with twin scroll direct injection that puts out 208 horsepower and  at 2701 pounds for the coupe or 2888 pound for the little wagon, these little cars are FAST.  You can get either a six speed manual or a six speed Aisin automatic.  A six speed convertible with the 17" high performance tires and wheels is a blast to drive on a nice curvy road.  I have a buddy that has a bright yellow convertible with the six speed and you talk about fun to drive and fast.  We have a lot of fun with Mustangs, Camaros, and Challengers.  Mini says that they cars handle like a go cart and that is pretty accurate.  The Mini also is available with an optional limited slip differential.

The convertible has a fully automatic top that folds down in 15 seconds.  The rear window is glass and is heated which is real nice in places like Colorado, especially if you garage is full of kids junk like ours is.  The coupe has a sunroof which I can take or leave.  A lot of people love them but I never liked them .

The Mini John Cooper works might be small but it doesn't lack for safety and handling features.  The Mini has six standard airbags and also side airbags There are side head and thorax airbags in the sides of the front seats.  The Mini has crumple zones and the latest in 4 channel ABS disc brakes.  The John Cooper Works edition has Red Rotor Brembo brakes and does 0-60 in 6.2 seconds.  The John Cooper Works Mini has the Dynamic Traction Control with Electronic Differential Lock Control.  All the Minis have a High tech Corner Brake Control and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.

The Mini even has a climate controlled glove box so your tuna salad sandwich won't get hot and your Hershey bar won't melt and make a mess.  There are several different colors and color combinations available.  The Minis have a 4 year/ 50,000 mile warranty, a no cost maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles.  Roadside Assistance goes for the same period as the warranty or can be extended for a nominal fee.

The 2010 Mini John Cooper works cars start a $28,000 for the basic coupe and can go up to $40,000 for a loaded out convertible with all the bells and whistles.  Take one for a drive sometime if you enjoy a fast, sporty little car that won't eat you up at the gas pump.

Thanks to Mini Brochure for facts and figures used in this review.

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